Boris Kovac and the LaDaABa Orchestra: Ballads at the End of Time
A crazycool Eastern European orchestral/cabaret sound, slightly out of tune; Transylvania-like. Some atmospheric sound effects; this is an album with a clear concept. LaDaABa stands for La Danza Apocalypsa Balcanica; this is their second such album of songs for the world’s end. Liner notes contain short explanations/meditations on each piece by the composer.
1. (6:24) wolf howling, then slow violin/clarinet, gradually ramping up speed/intensity, becomes a sultry dance with sax and guitar
2. (1:49) barnyard sound effects and slow mandolin-like instrument
* 3. (6:27) slow sinuous drunken minor key waltz-tempo, clarinet/sax/accordion, etc.
4. (4:04) quiet morning waltz, super slow, picks up speed; violin, guitar (faint vocals)
* 5. (3:28) low vocal “do you wanna dance?” giggle. Then teasing clarinet-featured tango-y song. (I guess it’s a beguine?)
6. (3:30) slooow drunken leisurely sway, with dog barking, faint singing
7. (6:30) slow strummy guitar, song of intrigue, with clarinet, pizzicato bass, sax, etc.
* 8. (3:08) sweet melancholy rolling waltz played a bit messily like a street band; bells; some street sounds toward end.
9. (3:00) the Transylvania cha cha—mysterious and loungy
10. (4:48) soft mandolin-y strumming, sad accordion, then becomes like jazz club ballad
* 11. (3:00) “The Broken Waltz”; unpredictable meter changes—sometimes 10/8, but switches a lot. Carefree unison, mostly. Fun, yay!
12. (4:48) slow mournful clarinet/sax wailings, with dogs barking/howling; then ends with triumphant impromptu singing (some translation in liner notes), and thunderstorm.
13. (6:58) saxes do variations on a main theme; jazz club combo sound (theme is itchingly like Fly Me To The Moon.) group humming at end.
14. (0:29) electronic (?) birds chirping.

reviewed by mandy (la chanteuse)